Complications of intertrochanteric rotational osteotomy

Abstract

Intertrochanteric anterior rotational osteotomy is a recently developed surgical procedure to treat osteonecrosis of the femoral head. We reviewed the radiographic findings in four cases to acquaint radiologists with the usual appearance of the procedure and to assess surgical complications. In all cases, immediate postoperative radiographs showed rotation of the necrotic portion of the femoral head anteriorly so that it was no longer weight-bearing. Clinical and radiologic follow-up ranged from 12 to 30 months. In this time, three patients developed complications, including nonunion of the osteotomy, further osteonecrosis with collapse of the femoral head, and worsening pain in the absence of progressive radiologic change.

Radiology provides an important means of assessing rotational osteotomy, particularly in demonstrating sufficient rotation of the femoral head to assure nonweight-bearing by diseased bone. Also, surgical complications such as nonunion and hardware loosening may be identified. Nevertheless, the patient may deteriorate clinically even in the absence of radiologic demonstration of disease progression, and the absence of radiographic change does not assure a successful surgical outcome.